What is happening

[u/Paint_God104]

Think my battery died and when I popped the case open this is what I saw. Can I still jump it?

[u/Neither_String_119]

Fleet Mechanic here. This happens so often, they have battery terminal cleaning kits at any parts store or you can buy the stuff seperately or in bulk.

What you need 1. Wire brush. 2. Connector/ Terminal Corrosion prevention. 3. Water. That's it.

Step1. Disconnect the battery. Always. Negative first then positive.

Step. 2 Wet with water. Yes, it's acid corrosion. Wear gloves if you have them. No, they aren't necessary but I highly recommend it. Water...dilutes acids, no need to neutralize it unless you are super concerned about whatever the runoff is going to. (Optional) If you do wanna neutralize-then baking soda.

Step 3. Scrub with wire brush. Scrub the metal wire connectors and the baterry terminals. The special battery brush they sell in kits is great for this, but most wire brushes will do.

Step 4. Rinse with water.

Step 5. Reconnect battery. Positve first, then negative.

Step 6. Test the battery if you want to know its condition.

Step 7. Put the corrosion preventative on. The terminals and connectors. But not inbetween them just on top, don't want to mess up a good battery connection. The corrosion comes from the terminal seeping out acidic droplets onto the metal and then oxidizing in the air. If you spray or gel the area around the terminals you reduce the air and moisture getting onto the terminals that causes the corrosion.

That's it! You're done.